TERRA, or the Terrestrial Emergency Response and Research Agency, is a powerful organization formed to deal with threats on Earth—be they dungeons or monsters. Events are studied for their origin and patterns, with the belief that they are part of a larger cosmic plan. The agency operates through specialized divisions:
R&D: Develops technology and equipment to analyze and contain dungeon threats.
Field Investigation: Handles on-site data gathering and first-line response.
Containment & Control: Trained in neutralizing or containing high-risk monsters or Awakened individuals who abuse their superpowers.
Historic & Arcane Studies: Researches the mystical origins of dungeons.
TERRA collaborates with STARS, an elite group of Awakened fighters, in their mission to ensure citizen safety and investigate emerging threats.
The TERRA agents arrive with angular, commanding steps, their neat uniforms emblazoned with the agency's logo. A tall, clean-cut man steps forward, his sharp eyes locking onto Hiro with an innate, analytical stare.
TERRA Agent 1: "Excuse me, sir. We need to ask a few questions about the incident here."
Hiro: "Sure… I-I'll help however I can."
The agent surveys the scene with practiced calm. "Can you tell us who was responsible for taking down these monsters?"
Hiro glances toward the wreckage, the memory of Akira's power still fresh in his mind. "I can't afford to tell them about his identity. He told me to keep it quiet for now."
Hiro tries to keep his voice steady. "I don't really know much. I… I fainted during the attack. It was all chaotic and confusing." He pauses, then adds, "I can only remember some powerful figure coming in and handling the situation."
TERRA Agent 2, raising an eyebrow incredulously: "Somebody powerful, huh? Anything special you can tell us about them?"
Hiro swallows, carefully choosing his words. "I'm sorry, I didn't see very well. It all happened so quickly… but the power they used… it was tremendous. They moved as if they'd dealt with those monsters countless times before."
The first agent nods and scribbles some notes. TERRA Agent 1: "Understood. We'll investigate this matter further." He turns back to Hiro. "Thank you for your cooperation. If you remember anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us."
Just as Hiro is about to let out a sigh of relief, a sleek black vehicle glides up to the curb. The door opens, and out steps Daichi Gean, an imposing figure whose controlled presence radiates authority. Also an A-Rank STAR, his piercing gaze scans the street as if reading the remnants of the battle.
Daichi, speaking in a low, calm tone: "What do we have here?" His eyes narrow as he takes in the aftermath, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. "Who closed this outbreak so quickly?"
TERRA Agent 1, bowing slightly: "Sir, we spoke to a witness who claimed to have seen one powerful individual take care of the monsters before passing out."
Daichi's frown deepens, his eyes narrowing further as he glances back at the scene. "A single person, huh?" He drums his fingers thoughtfully. "Low-rank monsters or not, stopping an outbreak that fast means they're either extremely skilled or hiding a higher rank. If they were just another Awakened or STAR, they would've claimed credit and rewards. But instead, they disappeared?"
He turns back to the agents. "I want everything on this person. Ask around the other witnesses, check the street cameras… I want to know exactly who they are and what they're capable of."
TERRA Agent 2: "The problem is, the energy unleashed during the outbreak fried the cameras in the area. They're useless."
Daichi, his voice firm "I don't care. Find out about him one way or another."
TERRA Agent 2: "Yes, sir. We'll start the search immediately."
The agents spread out, their faces determined as they begin combing the area. Daichi stays behind, meticulously scanning the scattered evidence, piecing together the scene. His mind races.
"Someone out there handled these creatures decisively, and I need to find them." His instincts scream that whoever it is, they're no ordinary fighter.
Meanwhile, Akira remains oblivious to the stir his actions have caused. After a long day, he checks into a small, quiet hotel on the outskirts of town. His room is modest but comfortable, with a neatly made bed and a window overlooking the glowing skyline in the distance. He collapses onto the bed and quickly falls asleep, drifting into a precious memory from his past.
In his dream, Akira finds himself at his family's villa on a farm—a modest, beautiful farmhouse nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and golden fields. He is no more than eight years old, running through the garden, his laughter echoing under the warm, late afternoon sun. The world feels light, carefree.
Kid Akira, calling out playfully "Catch me if you can!"
His father, Shiro Shoto, chases after him, his deep, joyful voice carrying across the fields. Akira bursts into laughter, sprinting across the lawn as his father's laughter mingles with his own. Shiro, always smiling, purposely slows down just enough to let Akira stay ahead, making him feel like he's outrunning his dad.
Kid Akira, teasing: "Daddy, you're too slow!"
Shiro, laughing: "Oh, is that so?" He picks up speed momentarily, closing the gap.
Akira squeals with excitement, thrilled by his father's playful "threat." His mother, Yumi, stands on the porch, watching them with a gentle smile, her hands wrapped around a mug of tea. Her hair catches the sunlight, framing her face with a warm glow. She claps her hands, cheering them on, her voice full of pride.
Yumi: "Akira, keep going! Don't let him catch you!"
Akira runs around a tree, trying to escape his father's grasp, but Shiro swoops in and effortlessly lifts him into the air. Akira squeals again as his father spins him around, his grip firm yet filled with warmth. Finally, Shiro sets him down, and their laughter blends into a perfect harmony of happiness.
Out of breath and grinning, young Akira runs to his mother, hugging her tightly. She kneels down, embracing him softly as her fingers run through his hair, soothing and loving.
Kid Akira, softly "Mom, why do you and Daddy always make me laugh so much?"
Yumi, brushing a lock of hair from his face: "Because, Akira, we want you to know that no matter what happens in the world, you have a place where you're safe, loved, and happy."
Shiro steps forward, wrapping an arm around them both. Shiro, his voice firm and proud"Family is everything. And we are always here for each other. Always."
Akira nods as a young boy, enveloped in the warmth of his parents. In this moment, he feels invincible—protected, cherished, complete. The world beyond their little farm doesn't matter. His heart is full, his smile effortless.
Kid Akira, laughing "Thanks for taking care of me and making me laugh, Daddy and Mommy. When I grow up, I'll be the one to protect you and make you happy!"
His parents laugh at his cheerful words, their joy echoing across the fields.
As the memory fades, Akira's chest tightens, a bittersweet ache filling the space where his parents once stood. The innocence of those days, that pure happiness, feels like a world away. Lying in the quiet of the hotel room, Akira clenches his fists, his eyes shut tight. That memory of his parents, of laughter and safety, is a reminder of everything he's lost—and everything he's fighting for.
He vows again, his voice a whisper in the dark "I promised to protect you. And here we are. At the very least, I'll make sure everyone pays. I'll make them pay for every single thing.Every cell in my body screams for vengeance. I swear—before this is over, they will beg to have never been born."